Ferry to Anacortes malfunctions; life vests ordered as precaution

Hundreds of passengers on the Elwha ferry were given life vests after an electrical issue on the ferry. (Photo courtesy of ferry passenger David Moss)

UPDATE, Monday, 5:45 a.m.: The Elwha remains grounded and some ferry runs between Anacortes and the San Juan Islands have been canceled, according to the WSDOT. Check the ferry schedules if you are planning a trip.

ORIGINAL POST: Passengers on the ferry Elwha were directed to put on life vests tonight as a precaution after one of the boat’s drive motors malfunctioned. The ferry, using its other drive motor, continued at reduced speed to Anacortes, ferry officials said. It docked a little after 8:30 p.m.

Marta Coursey, director of communications for the ferry system, said some smoke came from the drive motor and it appeared to have some electrical issues. Electricians have arrived in Anacortes to make repairs that ferry officials hope will allow the vessel to go back into service Monday.

David Moss of Bellevue, one of the passengers, said he didn’t see any smoke, but heard what he thought was a loud warning signal about 20 minutes into the voyage, and then some loud clanging that appeared to come from the engine room. The ferry staff directed everyone to the main passenger level, where they donned the life jackets for about 30 minutes, then were allowed to take them off for the remainder of the trip, he said.

The Elwha had started from Friday Harbor in the San Juan Islands.

The ferry Kaleetan was called into service for the rest of the evening runs. More schedule information can be found here.

About The Today File

The Today File is a general news blog featuring real-time coverage of Seattle and the Northwest. It is reported by the news staff of The Seattle Times and includes stories from The Associated Press and McClatchy-Tribune Information Services.